What is Rosacea?

Rosacea starts with redness particularly on the cheeks and nose. It comes and goes as a ‘flush’ or ‘blush’ gradually becoming permanent and more noticeable. Small blood vessels (telangiectasia) become enlarged and visible.

Facial skin may become very dry. Pimples may appear as small, red, solid or pus filled bumps that resemble teenage acne but without the blackheads and whiteheads seen in acne. Eyes and eyelids may be irritated. Knobby bumps (rhinophyma) may develop on the nose. Without treatment Rosacea often progresses.

Because it often develops gradually it may be mistaken for a sunburn or acne. Early treatment helps prevent worsening and formation of permanently dilated blood vessels and rhinophyma (also called W.C Fields nose).

What causes Rosacea?

Rosacea generally develops between 20 to 70 years old, may run in families and is more common in fair skinned people with a history of blushing easily and frequently. Women are more likely to get rosacea, but men are more likely to develop rhinophyma on the nose.

Ninety percent of patients who actually have Rosacea are not receiving medical care. Rosacea Awareness is a campaign to encourage all patients with Rosacea to seek treatment for this common condition before it reaches the more advanced stages.

What is the best Rosacea treatment?

Although there is no cure, treatment can decrease symptoms and slow or stop progression. Treatment varies depending on severity. Options include surface or oral antibiotics, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL®), Fraxel® Laser and GentleWaves® treatment. Avoidance of triggers is important.

What surface antibiotics are used for Rosacea?

Prescription antibiotics Metronidazole (Metrocream®/Metrogel®/Metrolotion®/Noritate®), Azelaic Acid (Finacea®), Sulfacetamide, or Clindamycin creams,lotions and gels are helpful and are used on a continuous basis.

What oral antibiotics are used for Rosacea?

Some patients may also need oral antibiotics such as Tetracycline (Sumycin®), Doxycycline (Vibramycin®, Periostat®, Doryx®), or Minocycline (Minocin®) for flare ups. Most patients have no problems with antibiotics but occasional side effects include:
headache, vertigo (dizziness), sun sensitivity, stomach upset, allergic reaction (hives, hepatitis), and blue/grey pigmentation of skin or teeth.
Possible side effects in females are interference with effectiveness of birth control pills, yeast infections, and if taken during pregnancy, discoloration of the infant’s bones and teeth.

Do light treatments help Rosacea?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL®) uses specific wavelengths of light to heat up the small veins so that body absorbs them. It is very effective in reducing the redness and dilated blood vessels.

Does laser help Rosacea?

Yes, our Rosacea laser treatment at our Texas clinic uses Fraxel® Laser Treatment to help the redness and thickened skin.

Does LED help Rosacea?

GentleWaves® LED Treatment can help the redness and inflammation of Rosacea.

What if the eye is involved?

Rosacea may involve the eye with burning sensation, feeling of dry eye, or redness of the eye or eyelid. Oral antibiotics may be needed.

I want a natural cure. Rosacea is influenced by which lifestyle issues?

All patients should avoid the Rosacea triggers below if possible.

Rosacea food triggers often include:

• Cheese
• Vanilla
• Thermally hot foods
• Chocolate
• Soy sauce
• Spicy foods
• Alcohol, especially red wine
• Hot drinks

Extremes of temperature or weather worsens rosacea:

• Saunas
• Anything that causes overheating
• Excessively warm environments
• Hot baths
• Radiant heat
• Sun
• Hot, humid temperatures
• Strong winds
• Cold

Stress and emotions influence rosacea:

• Rage
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Embarrassment

Medications can worsen rosacea:

• Vasodilators (medications used to open up blood vessels)
• Topical steroid creams used on the face

Physical exertion may worsen rosacea:

• Exercise
• Straining
• Frequent flushing
• Chronic cough

Skin care products and cosmetics may aggravate rosacea:

• Alcohol based cosmetics
• Sorbic acid
• Any cosmetic that causes redness or stinging should be avoided

Dr. Elaine recommends our Rosacea Treatment Kit. Also helpful in reducing rosacea, mineral makeup with a high SPF is used.

Sunlight and rosacea is a bad combination:

Sun exposure worsens rosacea. Sunscreen use by Rosacea patients is essential. In our Rosacea treatment, Texas sun is very strong and we recommend daily broad spectrum Dr. Elaines® Protecting Sunscreen year round regardless of weather.

Any other Rosacea tips?

• In situations where you are likely to flush/blush (heat, stress, anxiety, etc.) sucking on ice chips may help control blushing.
• Do not use granular facial exfoliants or a washcloth, use finger pads to cleanse the skin.